HS 



a 



4^ 



jfoA4- 



Book of the Dead 

Being 

"Chapters of Coming Forth by Day 

of the Wordi Which Bring About 

Resurrection and Glory, and 

of Coming Out of and 

Entering Into 

Amenti." 



Authorized Version 

Adopted by the 

Supreme Council of the Order 
of Rameses 

reorganized and incorporated 
in Month Three of Growing 
in the Egyptian Year 6424 
being Anno Domini 1915, 
February 22nd. 



Louisville, Ky. 

Maeoni*- Home Journal Print 

1916 



H 



5 s * 5 



Copyrighted 1916 by the 
Supreme Council of the Order of Ramesea 



/ 

AUG -3 1916 



GENERAL REGULATIONS. 



1. This Ritual is the property of the Supreme 
Council of the Order of Rameses, and is loaned 
to the subordinate Council for its use so long as 
the Council obeys the laws and regulations of the 
Supreme Council. This Ritual shall be and re- 
main in the sole custody and control of the Pha- 
raoh of the Council, and he shall see that it is 
promptly returned to him by any member to whom 
he shall loan the same for the purpose of learning 
the work. The number of Rituals (and their 
serial numbers) in the possession of the Pharaoh 
of the Council shall annually be reported to the 
Supreme Council. 

2. The Ritual of the Order shall be such as 
may be prescribed by the Supreme Council, and 
no Council shall confer the Order according to 
any other form, nor make use of nor perform 
any ceremony which has not first been specifically 
approved by the Supreme Council or its Com- 
mittee on Ritual. 

3. The Pharaoh of each subordinate Council, 
including the presiding officer for the time being, 
shall immediately and personally arrest any at- 
tempt at vulgarity or obscenity in conferring the 
Order, and for failure to do so he shall be per- ; 
sonally responsible to the Supreme Council, and, 
insofar as the Supreme Council may hereby 
authorize, to the Chapter of Royal Arch Masons 
to which the Council is attached. 



THE JUDGMENT OF THE DEAD. 



As the judgment of the dead, or .Judgment «f 
Amenti, formed a part of the Mysteries of Isis, it 
should be properly mentioned in that connection. 
Although this ceremony was part of the Mysteries, 
yet it was well known to all, as it was founded upon 
the peculiar funeral rites of the Egyptians. From 
this judgment in this world no Egyptian was exempt, 
no matter how exalted his position; and upon this 
trial depended the right to an honorable burial. All 
whom the deceased person had wronged, and all who 
knew of his evil deeds, were permitted to testify over 
his dead body, while his friends and kindred loudly 
proclaimed his virtues. The decision followed the 
weight of the evidence ; and even a king who had led 
a bad and wicked life might be excluded from burial 
in his own sepulchre. And the "assessors" at the 
funeral were allowed to pronounce a condemnation, 
which all agreed would also be received in a future 
state. This trial of the dead in this world was 
typical of the Judgment of Amenti, where Osiris 
presided in the invisible world, and which the devout 
Egyptian believed took place there at the same time. 
From this peculiar custom of the Egyptians arose a 
part of the ceremonies of initiation into the Mysteries 
of Isis: for, as in initiation the candidate died sym- 
bolically, so also he underwent the judgment of the 
dead, to ascertain if he was worthy to receive the 
higher and more important secrets, by being raised 
and brought to light, typical of the admission of the 
good into the "mansions of the blessed." The last 
judgment is one of the principal subjects found de- 
picted upon the walls of tombs and in the "Book of 
the Dead," sometimes referred to in the actual trial; 
at others, to its representation as enacted in the 
Mysteries. This judgment of the dead was peculiar 
to the national customs and funeral rites of the 
Egyptians, and does not appear to have prevailed in 
other countries. It was, therefore, naturally discon- 
tinued as a part of the Mysteries when they were 
introduced into other countries under other names. 
****** There is nothing in the ancient Ma- 



JUDGMENT OF DEAD 



sonic degrees in the least analogous to the Judgment 
of Amenti, that portion of the Mysteries of I sis not 
having been adopted into the Mysteries as celebrated 
in other lands and at a later age. The following 
representation of the scene, taken from the 'Book of 
the Dead." will, however, be interesting to all read- 
ers, and members of the Fraternity will not fail to 
recognize in it certain Masonic features which we 
may not particularize. The figure seated on the 
throne is Osiris., or Judge of the Dead ; he holds the 
fiail and crook, emblems of majesty and dominion. 
The deeds of the deceased, or of the candidate, 
typified by a vase containing his heart, are being 
weighed in the scales of justice by Anubis and Horus 
against an ostrich feather, emblem of truth, in the 
opposite scale. * * * Thoth (Hermes, Mercury, or the 
Divine Intellect) presents the result to Osiris. Close 
by is Cerberus, or Am-mit, the "Eater of the Dead." 
At the right the candidate is seen attended by the 
Goddesses of Truth and Justice; the Goddess of Truth 
holds in her hand the emblem of eternal life, and both 
wear upon their heads the emblem of truth. Close to 
Osiris is seen the thyrsus bound with a fillet, to 
which the spotted skin of a leopard is suspended. 
It is the same that the high priest, clad in the 
leopard-skin dress, carries in the processions, and 
which gave rise to the nebris and thyrsus of Bacchus, 
to whom Osiris corresponds in Greek mythology. 
The lotus flower, the emblem of a new birth, is rep- 
resented just before the thyrsus. If. on being tried, 
the candidate is rejected, having been "weighed and 
found wanting," Osiris inclines his scepter in token 
of condemnation. If, on the contrary, when the 
sum of his deeds has been recorded, his virtues so 
far preponderate as to entitle him to admission. 
Horus, taking in his hand the tablet of Thoth, intro- 
duces him to the presence of Osiris. In the initiation, 
those who represent Thoth, Anubis and Horus wore 
symbolical masks, as represented in the drawing. 
(See Kendrick, Wilkinson, and also Arnold's 'Philo- 
sophical History of Secret Societies," from which last 
work the above drawing is taken.) 



RITUAL 




Ancient Egyptian Apron 



Officers of the Council 



Council of Rameses (Seated in the East). 

Rameses (center) .... . .Pharaoh, Ruler of Egypt 

Heru-Set (right) Prophet of Thebes 

Ta-Nefer (left) Prophet of Horus 

Council of Khonsu (Seated in the West). 

Nit (center) Gink of Gizeh 

Peta-Amen (left) High Priest of Mut 

Set-Up (right) Priest of Apis 

Rek-Mara (south) Messenger of Abydos 

Tah-Tah (southeast) Scribe to Rameses 

Mart-Amen (northeast) .. .Director of Offerings 
Sentinel. 

# * * 

The Pharaoh is addressed "Iridescent Son of 
the Sun/' while all other officers and members 
of the Council are addressed "Egyptian." 




12A 



The Eye of Osiris 



Opening Ceremonies 



Altar, upon which rests the Book of the Dead, is 
in center of room with a Light stationed on the North 
and South; or, if Altar is triangular, a Light is 
placed at each angle, other lights in room being- 
turned out. The throne- room canopy is arranged 
in the East, the curtains being drawn open. The 
Pharaoh is seated in the center of the East. A 
tripod containing a lighted incense vase is placed 
upon one of the steps of the dais in the East. Be- 
tween the Altar and the West is placed a pedestal, 
upon which rests a coffer or box covered with an 
appropriate cloth covering, which hangs half way 
to the floor. The box i8 empty. 

Nit is seated in the West, Rek-Mara in the South, 
and the Director of Offerings and the Scribe to 
Rameses are in their places. 

Heru-Set, Ta-Nefer. Peta-Amen and Set-Up, in 
the order named, respectively represent the Scribe 
Ani, Ushabti. the Cope Stone and the Ark. and are 
in the ante-room. 

The seven parts of the Door, represented by mem- 
bers clothed in the robes of the Order and bearing a 
lighted taper, are stationed as follows: 

The Leaf of the Door, inside the door of entrance. 

The Right-side Post of the Door, on the South, 
half way between the center and the West. 

The Threshold of the Door, on the South, half 
way between the center and the East. 

The Lock of the Door, in the East, half way be- 
tween the Altar and the East. 

The Latch of the Door, in the North, half way 
between the center and the East. 

The Keeper of the Door, in the North, half way 
between the center and the West. 

The Lintels of the Door, in the West, between the 
Altar and the pedestal, near the pedestal. 

A bell is sounded in the ante- room twelve times, 
and after the twelfth stroke the Pharaoh addresses 
Rek-Mara: 

Pharaoh — Egyptian Rek-Mara, great Messen- 
ger of Abydos, let the Sacred Council be con- 
vened. 

Rek-Mara advances to the foot of the 
dais in the East, faces the West, gives 
one knock with his staff, and says : 

Rek-Mara— Exas ! Exas ! Este Bebeloi ! ! De- 
part hence, ye profane ! Egyptian Nit, most 
puissant Gink of Gizeh, where is the Scribe Ani? 

Nit — He awaits without, my lord. 

Rek-Mara— Without what? 



12 OPENING CEREMONIES. 

Nit — -Without food or raiment. 
Rek-Mara — Feed him and clothe him, and let 
him name the seven parts of the Door. 

Ani. Ushabti, the Cope Stone and tl»e 
Ark, in the order named, enter in single 
file. 

Leaf of the Door — I allow thee not to pass by 
me, the Leaf of the Door, unless thou tell my 
name. 

Ani — Let Ushabti do it. 

Ushabti — "The Pointer of Truth" is thy name. 

Leaf — Pass. 

Right-side Post of the Door — I allow thee not 
to pass by me, the Right-side Post of the Door, 
unless thou tell my name. 

Ani — Let Ushabti do it. 

Ushabti — "The Scale-pan of one who lifteth 
up Right" is thy name. 

Post — Pass. 

Threshold of the Door — I allow thee not to 
pass over me, the Threshold of the Door, unless 
thou tell my name. 

Ani — Let Ushabti do it. 

Ushabti — "Ox of Seb" is thy name. 

Threshold — Pass. 

Lock of the Door — I, the Lock of the Door, 
open not to thee unless thou tell my name. 

Ani — Let Ushabti do it. 

Ushabti— "Bone of An-maut-ef" is thy name. 

Lock — Pass. 

Latch of the Door — I, the Latch of the Door, 
open not to thee unless thou tell my name. 

Ani— Let Ushabti do it. 

Ushabti— "The Eye of Sebak, Lord of Bachan," 
is thy name. 

Latch — Pass. 

Keeper of the Door — I open not to thee, and I 



OPENING CEREMONIES. 13 

allow thee not to pass me, the Keeper of the Door, 
unless thou tell my name. 

Ani — Let Ushabti do it. 

Ushabti— "The Knee of Shu, Which He Hath 
Lent for the Support of Osiris/' is thy name. 

Keeper — Pass. 

Lintels of the Door — We allow thee not to 
pass by us, the Lintels of the Door, unless thou 
tell us our names. 

Ani — Let Ushabti do it. 

Ushabti — "The Dragon Brood of Renenut'' is 
your name. 

Lintels — Thou knowest us ; pass therefore by 
us into the Hall of Righteousness into the pres- 
ence of the Sacred Council of Amenti, the Secret 
Council of Rameses. 

They pass to the west of the Altar and 
face the East; Ani addresses Rek-Mara: 

Ani — Do you know who I am? 

Rek-Mara — Nay, tell us. 

Ani — Let Ushabti do it. 

Ushabti — I am the noble Ushabti. Of old, 
when an Egyptian died, I was fashioned in the 
form of a statuette and was placed with him in 
his mummy case to accompany him to the Here- 
after. By virtue of the deep incantations and 
words of power written in the Book of the Dead, 
I was made to do his work for him in the Under- 
world. For thus it is written as the words of the 
deceased in the Chapters of the Coming Forth 
by Day : 

"O Ushabti there ! Should I be called and ap- 
pointed to do any of the labors that are done in 
the Netherworld by a person according to his 
abilities, lo ! all obstacles have been beaten down 
for thee ; be thou counted for me at every mo- 



14 OPENING CEREMONIES. 

ment, for planting the fields, for watering the soil, 
for conveying the sands of the east and west." 

And thus, as it is further written in the Book 
of the Dead, do I answer him: 

"Here am I, whithersoever thou callest me." 
When, however, Rameses the Second, Pharaoh 
of Egypt, surnamed the Great, son of Seti, the 
son of Rameses, Ruler of Baq, Ta-Res, Ta-Meh 
and Suten Bat, the Iridescent Son of the Sun, 
decreed the formation of this Sacred Council, he 
commanded me to plow the fields, draw the water, 
carry the burdens, and perform all labor for the 
fortunate Egyptians received in his presence, in 
consequence of which it is common for men of 
this day, when assigned a task, to say, "Let 
Ushabti do it," whence arises amongst all good 
Egyptians that comely Order, 

"Which nothing earthly gives, or can destroy, 
The soul's calm sunshine, and the heartfelt joy." 

"Let Ushabti do it." 

Rek-Mara — Sir Knights, whom have you there 
in charge? 

Ani — The Cope Stone and the Ark. 

Rek-Mara — Iridescent Son of the Sun, the Sa- 
cred Council is now formed. Nothing remains to 
be done but to seat the Cope Stone and to deposit 
the Ark in the sanctuary. 

Pharaoh — Let Ushabti do it. 

Hern-Set and Ta-Nefer are conducted 
to their stations, while Peta-Amen and 
Set-Up assume their stations. 

Pharaoh — Egyptian Rek-Mara, display the... 



Rek-Mara proceeds to the pedestal in 
the West and removes cover from the 
coffer thereon. 

Pharaoh (gives * * * with gavel; all rise) — 
Egyptians, together with the Sign of Distress and 



CLOSING CEREMONIES. 15 

the name that loosens chains, blinds, brings 
dreams, creates favor, wherein is contained all 
names, all lights and all powers : "IAOOUEI." 

Pharaoh — I now declare Council of 

No opened in form. "Konx 

Ompax." 

Rek-Mara — Let it be so recorded. Princes and 
Rulers, be seated. 

(Lights turned on.) 

SHORT FORM. 



Ordinarily, when it i.s desired to save time on 
ceremonial occasions, the Council may be opened in 
short form. All officers being in their stations, th> 
Pharaoh may call the Council to order and say: 

Pharaoh — Egyptians, come to order. I now 

declare Council of No 

opened in form. "Konx Ompax." 

Rek-Mara — Let it be so recorded. 



Closing Ceremonies 

Pharaoh (gives * * * with gavel; all rise) — 
Egyptian Rek-Mara, great Messenger of Abydos, 
you will close the sacred chest and conceal the 



(Done.) 

Pharaoh — I now declare Council of 

of No closed in form. "Konx 

Ompax." 

Rek-Mara — Let it be so recorded. 



Argument 



The candidate represents Ani, the Scribe, a 
zealous and devout Egyptian, who is ordered by 
the Council of Amenti to make search for the 
missing parts of the mutilated body of the slain 
Rameses. On finding them he is rewarded by 
being seated as Pharaoh, Ruler of Egypt 

EPISODE FIRST. 

Scene — A room in the Temple of the Sphinx 
at Abydos. Ani is conducted by Rek-Mara and 
obligated by Peia-Amen. Thence to 

EPISODE SECOND. 

Scene — Council of Amenti. Ani's conscience 
weighed against Truth, found wanting, and he is 
decreed to search for the missing parts of the 
body of the slain Rameses. Reward promised. 

EPISODE THIRD. 

Scene 1 — Before Set-Up. Ani seeks informa- 
tion : instructed in tradition and symbolism of 
Egyptian apron and told of Oasis of Bunk. 
Thence to 

Scene 2 — Before Nit. Given working tools — 
Hod and Ladder. Still seeks information. Told 
to search Oasis of Bunk. Thence to 

Scene 3 — Before Ta - Nefer. Admonished. 
Thence to 

EPISODE FOURTH. 

Scene 1 — Oasis of Karnak Information ob- 
tained concerning the search. Thence to 

Scene 2 — Desert of Darfur. Rough road, ob- 
stacles, storm, etc. Thence to 

Scene 3 — City of Hyksos and Banks of the Nile. 
River, crocodiles, spiders, asps, etc. Thence to 



18 ARGUMENT. 

Scene 4 — Cavern of the Asp of Thothmes. 
Long net tunnel, slap-stick, etc. Captured by 
Nomes. If more than one candidate, then Ani 
escapes to 

Scene 5 — Ancient Tomb of Osiris. Ani is con- 
cealed. 

EPISODE FIFTH. 

Scene — A Street in Cairo, before Old Man 
Tchestcheset, Chief of the Nomes. Prisoners are 
led before the Chief. Inquisition. Contest. 

EPISODE SIXTH. 

Scene — Oasis of Bunk. Ani searches and dis- 
covers missing parts. Thence to 

EPISODE SEVENTH. 

Scene — Council of Rameses. Ani is rewarded 
and seated as Pharaoh, Ruler of Egypt. Explan- 
atory lecture, signs, grip, words, etc. Deposed. 

EPISODE EIGHTH. 

Concluding address by the Pharaoh to all can- 
didates, after which they are ordered to be con- 
ducted to seats within the Council. 



RITUAL 



EPISODE FIRST. 

Scene — City of Abydos; a room in the Temple of 

the Sphinx. 
Persons— Peta-Amen, High Priest of Mut; Nit, 

Gink of Gizeh; Rek-Mara, Messenger of 

Abydos; Candidates. 

Rek-Mara (in ante-room' — My companions, 
throughout your wanderings through the mys- 
teries of our Order, each of you is supposed to 
represent the Scribe Arii. Allow me to recom- 
mend to you the virtues of this zealous and de- 
vout Egyptian. 

Candidates are prepared by removing 
their coats and shoes and rolling up 
sleeves; hoodwinked; clothed with Egyp- 
tian apron. They are conducted within 
the Temple by Rek-Mara and led about 
the room, their right hands being raised 
vertically, during which Rek-Mara says: 

Rek - Mara — Ani, the Order to which you 
seek admission was established by the great Ra- 
meses the Second in the nineteenth dynasty of 
the Egyptian Kings for the purpose of uniting 
into one brotherhood those Egyptians who, in 
good works and advancement of knowledge, had 
proven themselves to be leaders. From the hum- 
blest to the highest, any Egyptian was eligible, 
the requirements being, first, a belief in a Su- 
preme Being; second, the accomplishment of 
some particular act of service to the Egyptian 
people and their rulers; third, the recognition of 
such act bv the Secret Council of Rameses. 



20 RITUAL. 

The honor was greatly sought, and although 
chosen for membership, so severe were the trials 
before being finally recognized and seated in the 
secret chamber of the Council, a few only sur- 
vived the ordeal. But you are assured that 
throughout the ceremonies pertaining to this 
Order, no indignity will be offered you, nor will 
you be required to submit to any act or ceremony 
which cannot be accorded by one gentleman to 
another. 

Halts before Shrine; candidates kneel, 
facing Book of the Dead: hoodwinks 
raised. Rek-Mara addresses Peta-Amen, 
who is concealed behind curtains: 

Rek-Mara— O Peta-Amen, High Priest of the 
great Goddess Mut; Priest of the "God-of-the 
Lifted-Hand," O thou that observest what hath 
been brought into the Temple of the Sphinx, 
there is before the sacred shrine, contemplating 
the Book of the Dead, the Scribe Ani, who is de- 
sirous of being admitted to the Secret Council 
of Rameses. 

Exit Rek-Mara. Peta-Amen, who is at 
all times wholly concealed behind cur- 
tains, addresses candidates : 

Peta-Amen — Ani, by your acts in seeking a 
place in the Secret Council of Rameses and as- 
suming the duties of membership in this Order, 
you have forever forsaken the paths of the pro- 
fane, and in time will be instructed in the knowl- 
edge of the most profound truths known to man. 
You have been elected, but before you can journey 
further, it is necessary that you take a solemn 
obligation before being presented to the dread 
Council of Amenti. You may also be called upon 
to take other obligations as you progress in ful- 
filling the judgment of Amenti. If you can do 



RITUAL. 21 

so of your own free will and; accord, you will say, 
I, pronounce your name, and repeat after me: 

"I, , do solemnly and 

sincerely promise, upon my honor as a 
•Royal Arch Mason, that I will never un- 
lawfully reveal any of the secrets or pri- 
vate ceremonies of the Order of Rameses. 

"I do further promise that I will, so 
far as within me lies, conform to and 
comply with the Decrees and Judgment 
of Amenti. 

"I do further promise that I will, to the 
best of my ability, support and maintain 
the laws of the Order. 

"I do further premise that I will not 
be present nor consent to the conferment 
of this Order upon any person unless it 
be within a Council of the Order legally 
constituted by the Supreme Council of 
the Order of Rameses. 

"All this under the penalty of being put 
to death, and having my body cut into 
fourteen pieces and scattered, as was the 
body of Osiris, throughout the realms of 
Egypt. So mote it be !" 

Having assumed the obligation, you will await 
in patience and meditation the coming of the 
great Messenger of Abydos, whom you will fol- 
low in silence. 

Hoodwinks replaced. Enter Rek-Mara, 
forward. Candidates are led about room f 
while throne for Nit is arranged, with , 
steps, etc., during which Rek-Mara says : 

Rek-Mara — Arise. By your obligation you are 
forever bound to us, and in fulfilling that obliga- 
tion you will be taken before the Council of 
Amenti for hearing and decree. Before that 



22 RITUAL. 

Council you will appear in judgment. Your con- 
science, represented by your heart, will be weighed 
in the Great Balance against the Feather of the 
Law, emblematic of Truth and Right — your good 
deeds balanced against your evil deeds. If your 
bad deeds are found to outweigh your good deeds, 
certain labors to be performed by you will be 
decreed by the Council, and, upon completion of 
these tasks satisfactorily to the Council, proper 
rewards will be forthcoming. We now approach 
the portals of Khon.su, the Goddess of the Moon, 
through which you must pass. These portals are 
guarded by the great Nit, the Gink of Gizeh. 

Halt before Nit; hoodwinks raised. 

Nit — O Messenger of Abydos, whom leadeth 
you there? 

Rek-Mara — The Scribe Ani, duly elected, now 
obligated unto us, who seeks to pass the portals 
of Khonsu's Temple, to receive the Judgment of 
Amenti. 

Nit — Ani, be warned of the solemnity of the 
step you are about to take. Be careful that 
your heart is cleansed of all evil e'er you pass 
these portals leading to the underworld and the 
unfathomable hereafter. None may repass with- 
out the consent of the Council of Amenti. Before 
you can appear before that dread council of the 
gods of Egypt, you must present a token. That 
token is your heart, an image of which I now 
hand you. It is emblematic of your conscience. 
Carry it in your right hand, and when it is called 
for by Anubis, present it. Pass on. 

Hoodwinks are lowered and candidates 
are conducted about the room, and. after 
the Council of Amenti is arranged, thence 
before the Council. 



RITUAL. 23 

EPISODE SECOND 

Scene — The Underworld; Council of Amenti, 
seated in the West. 

Persons — Rek-Mara; Candidates; Shu {end next 
vault, on South) ; Seb (next Shu, on South); 
Thoth (end farthermost from vault, on 
South); Harmachis (end next vault, on 
North); Hathor (next Harmachis, on 
North); Horns (next Hathor, on North); 
Anubis (end farthermost from vault, on 
North). 

Candidates are led before the Council 
by Rek-Mara and placed in line across 
the room, facing Council ; hoodwinked. 
Twelve strokes in slow succession are 
given on gong in vault, after which 
Anubis addresses Rek-Mara: 

Anubis — Whom leadeth you — you of Abydos? 
Knowest thou that the shuddering peal of yon 
melancholy chime, sounding forth Low Twelve 
through the recesses of our crypt, announces thy 
arrival before the dread Council of Amenti, the 
abode of the dead, where judgment is passed 
upon those who seek to penetrate our solemn 
mysteries? Whom leadeth you? 

Rek-Mara — The Scribe Ani, duly obligated unto 
us, who seeks the Judgment of Amenti. 

Anubis — 'How know we this? 

Rek-Mara — Emblematic of his conscience, he 
holds this token, given him by the great Nit, at 
the portals of the Temple of Khonsu, and is will- 
ing that it be weighed in the Great Balance 
against the Feather of Truth. 

Anubis (addressing candidate with heart) — 
Ani, are you prepared to answer our questions, to 
have this emblem weighed against the Feather of 
Truth, and to fulfill our judgment? 

Candidate — I am. 



24 RITUAL. 

Anubis — Then let his hoodwink be lifted, and 
let him behold the Council of Amenti ! 
(Done.) 

Harmachis — Ani, by. your works have you be- 
come known to us, yet know this : Before you 
can gain membership in the .Secret Council of 
Rameses, you have before you a perilous path, 
beset with strange scenes and much travail. In 
your journey there you will visit strange places, 
endure ordeals horrific and terrible, but before 
you are permitted to begin your journey you 
must submit to the Judgment of Amenti. Are 
you willing, and do you submit? 

Candidate — I do. 

Harmachis takes heart from candidate 
and hands it to the Council, who examine 
it in turn, after which it is passed behind 
the screen and placed in balances. 

Harmachis (to candidate who had the heart) 
— Pay heed, then, to the questions of the great 
Thoth, and answer truly, gazing the while on the 
Great Balance, for upon your answers depends 
your future as an Egyptian. 

Light in vault is turned on, disclosing 
silhouette of balances in center of screen. 
Heart is in one pan and feather in other. 
As candidate answers, balances move 
slowly up and down. 

Thoth — Have you ever read the Book of the 
Dead? 

Candidate — No. 

Council — He has never read the Book of the 
Dead. 

Voice — Let it be so recorded. 

Gong is struck within vault and flame 
shoots from incense vase in center of 
Council. 

Thoth — Have you ever visited the tomb of the 
lost Osiris? 



RITUAL. 25 

Candidate— No. 

Council — He has never visited the tomb of the 
lost Osiris. 

Voice — Let it be so recorded. 

(As before.) 

Thoth — Have you ever made the Forty-two 
Negative Confessions? 

Candidate — -No. 

Council — He has never made the Forty-two 
Negative Confessions. 

Voice — Let it be so recorded. 

(As before.) 

Thoth— Have you ever caused any one to 
weep tears of sadness? 

Candidate — No. 

Council — He has never caused any one to 
weep tears of sadness. 

Voice — Let it be so recorded. 

(As before.) 

Thoth — Have you ever meditated upon in- 
iquity ? 

Candidate — No. 

Council — He has (never) meditated upon in- 
iquity. 

Voice — Let it be so recorded. 

(As before.) 

Thoth — Have you ever been an excitable or 
contentious person? 

Candidate — No. 

Council — He has (never) been an excitable or 
contentious person. 

Voice — Let it be so recorded. 

(As before.) 



20 RITUAL. 

At the end of the examination' the bal- 
ances slowly come to rest, with the feath- 
er down. The candidates are hoodwinked, 
conducted around the room (supposedly 
until Council can consult), and caused to 
halt again before the Council. Hood- 
winks raised. 

Thoth — Ani, you saw your evil deeds outweigh 
your good ! The Feather of Truth has prevailed 
over your conscience! Hear, then, our judgment 
and decree. 

The great Rameses, the son of Seti, the son of 
Rameses, Irridescent Son of the Sun, Ruler of 
Egypt, is no more. Foully murdered, his body, 
seized by vandals and ghouls, has been dismem- 
bered and lost unto us, and his spirit wanders 
over the land. Before there can be a ruler over 
Egypt, his remains must be found and given 
sepulchre in the Pyramid. Some of the faithful 
have recovered for us parts of the slain Pharaoh, 
but some are yet missing. It is now decreed by 
the Council of Amenti that you find these missing 
parts of our lost ruler, and that he who finds and 
restores them to the paraschites shall be the suc- 
cessor to Rameses and Pharaoh over all Egypt. 
This is our judgment, and failing in its perform- 
ance, you will be walled up within the abode of 
Am-mit, the loathsome "Eater-of-the-Dead," from 
which monster there can be no escape. Go, and 
may the blessings of the great Osiris attend you. 

Hoodwinks are replaced and candidates 
led once around the room by Rek-Mara, 
who says : 

Rek-Mara — Ani, sore indeed is your plight ! 
You must find the missing parts of our lost 
ruler or you shall suffer death ! What a gulf ! 
The throne of the Pharaohs or eternal destruc- 
tion! How, indeed, shall we know whither to 
travel? If so, how may we know the parts to be 
those of Rameses? In all the kingdom, but one 



RITUAL. 27 

may answer us. Let us pass the Towers of Silence 
and consult the great Set-Up, the Priest of Apis, 
the Sacred Bull. 

Candidates are again led once around 
the room by Rek-Mara and halted before 
Set-Up, in the South. 

EPISODE THIRD. 

Scene I— Before Set-Up, Priest of Apis, in 

South. 
Scene 2 — Before Nit, Gink of Gizeh, in East. 
Scene 3 — Before Ta-Nefer, Prophet of Horns, in 

North. 
Persons — Set-Up, Priest of Apis; Nit, Gink of 

Gizeh; Ta-Nefer, Prophet of Horns; Rek- 

Mara ; Can dida tes. 

SCENE 1. 

Candidates are led by Rek-Mara before 
Set-Up in South; hoodwinks down. 

Rek-Mara — O Set-Up, Priest of Ap's, the Sa- 
cred Bull, I lead an Egyptian — 

Set-Up — Another one! 

Rek-Mara ordered by the Council of Amenti 

to make search for the missing parts of the great 
Rameses. 

Set-Up — Does he know who I am? 

Rek-Mara — Not yet. 

Set-Up — How odd! Has he been seen by the 
Director of Offerings? 

Rek-Mara — Nay, he passed. 

Set-Up — Has he been instructed concerning the 
traditions of his apron? 

Rek-Mara — He has not. 

Set-Up — Then I will instruct him. Ani, you 
have been instructed in the various manners of 
wearing your apron. You have been informed 
that the mode peculiar to each has emerged from 



28 itm AL. 

the practices in vogue amongst ancient operative 
brethren, and that each symbolizes, in this mod- 
ern day, some great, everlasting and moral pre- 
cept. 

The Egyptian apron, with which you are 
clothed, is of goat hide. It is divided into four 
principal parts, namely, the Bib, the Body, the 
Border, and the Binding String, and are thus ex- 
plained : 

The Bib, being an appendage, or rudimentary 
part of the apron, represents the beginning, or 
infancy. 

The Body represents completion, or man in the 
fullest estate of his achievements. 

The Border represents the superficial adorn- 
ments that surround and ornament this earthly 
life, and are given to us by the Grand Architect 
for rightful use, else otherwise they would be- 
come a superstition and idolatry. 

The Binding String is made use of to bind the 
whole of the apron to the body, indicating that 
man must need have something to hold fast to 
him those immortal truths inculcated by our 
Order, representing man's dependence upon the 
higher power. 

As an Apisic Ramesian postulant, you will wear 
your apron thus : The Body of the apron is ripped 
off and annexed to the rear of your body at its 
middle portion. You are invested with the Bib 
only, it being tied with the Binding String thrice 
around your collarless neck. This is to teach you 
that before entering upon your present hazardous 
endeavors, you must be stripped of all those 
honors that achievement and years have heaped 
upon you; of that pride that success has instilled 
in you, and that you must have them so placed 
that they even be for your derision and humility. 



. KITI AL. 29 

You must begin your journey even as an infant, 
as represented by the Bib, with a childish trust 
and dependence. 

Rek-Mara — But canst thou direct us in our 
search? 

Set-Up — I can, but the last three fell into the 
swamps of Thebes and were devoured by the 
sacred crocodiles. Packert tells us only yester- 
day that there remained only the Oasis of Bunk 
to be searched — perhaps there you may find clues 
of value. Take him to Nit, who will direct him 
and see that he is prepared for his journey. 

SCENE 2. 

Candidates led once about room and 
halt before Nit; hoodwinks are raised. 

Rek-Mara — O noble Nit, most puissant Gink of 
Gizeh, by command of Set-Up, Slinger of the 
Sacred Bull, I bring you the Scribe Ani, who 
seeks information and preparation to explore the 
Oasis of Bunk for the lost parts of Lydia E. — no, 
the great Rameses. 

Nit — Does he know who I am? 

REK-MARA^He does not. Tell him. 

Nit — I am the most noble Nit, most pv.issant 
Gink of Gizeh. I designed the Pyramids, the 
Pylons, and the Plinths of Karnak. I damned 
the Nile and coursed the Desert of Darfur astride 
the High Cost — no, the Cost of High Living. 'Tis 
I who put the salt in the ocean and the humps on 
the earners back. In future ages I shall design 
the Ford and concoct Peruna. I am Chairman of 
the Vice Commission of Gizeh, and a hot re- 
former. I control the lightning and devour the 
night. I walloped the Lion of Numidia, and tied 
a can to the Horned Donkey of the Queen of 
Punt and kicked her in the slats — the Donkey, not 
the Queen. I'm the guy that put the "Ram" in 



30 RITUAL. 

Rameses, and make straight things crooked 'Tis 
I, I. P. Phreely, who have spoke. Does he know 
who I am? 

Rek-Mara — He does. 

Nit — Is he prepared with the Ladder and Hod? 

Rek-Mara— Not yet. 

Nit — Egyptian, I now present you the working 
tools of an Apisic Egyptian postulant, which are 
the Ladder and Hod. They will be exemplified 
to you by Ta-Nefer, the Prophet of Horus. 

Rek-Mara — But our information? 

Nit — Ah, yes. Getting our feet on the ground, 
I may say that I, myself, have explored the Oasis 
of Bunk, but not in recent years. It is said in 
the Charity Bazaars and in the alley back of the 
palace, by the dockers, that the remaining parts 
of Rameses are probably concealed in the Oasis 
of Bunk. Is he willing to explore that wonderful 
and horrific Oasis of Bunk? 

Rek-Mara — Yea, verily. 

Nit — -Yea, verily, bo, is good ! Take him to 
Ta-Nefer. 

Candidates are led once about room, 
hoodwinked, and are halted before Ta- 
Nefer, in the North. 

SCENE 3. 

Candidates are halted before Ta-Nefer; 
hoodwinks down. 

Rek-Mara— O great Ta-Nefer, Prophet of 
Horus, listen to our prayer — hear our requests — 
give us your ears — and hearken unto us. 

Ta-NefER — I listen. I hear. I hearken. But 
nix on that ear stuff. I need 'em both. Barring 
riches, health, power, lands, tenements and here- 
ditaments, what are your modest requests humbly 
beseeching us? 

Rek-Mara — This former scum, now an obli- 
gated Egyptian, has been before the Council of 



RITUAL, 31 

Amenti. He has been enrolled by the Scribe to 
Rameses, has been to the Slinger of the Sacred 
Bull, and knows what Nit is — not! He has re- 
ceived the Ladder and Hod, and now requests 
that he be prepared for his journey to the Oasis 
of Bunk. 

Ta-Nefer — 'Does he know who /am? 

Rek-Mara — Nay, nor does he give a hoot !■ 

Ta-Neeer — I should worry ! But have the Lad- 
der and Hod been explained to him? 

Rek-Mara — They have not. 

Ta-Neeer — Again I should worry. Mortals, 
pause and go slow. That which you see you do 
not behold. Standing, as you do, upon the illim- 
itable confines Of the inevitable void, cogitating 
upon the profundity of the yet-to-be, you are — 
yet you are not! Therefore, why? 

Go to the silent Sphinx, who sits in solemn 
grandeur, with the winds of the desert whistling 
through her whiskers, and the shining sands 
drifting through her stern. Ask her why? 
Wherefore? And of which? And she answers 
not. Perhaps she does not know. 

Man's natural tendency is toward egotism. You 
think you amount to something — you do not. No- 
body does — except us. Therefore, we, as Egyp- 
tian deities, teach you many beautiful things 
which you do not know, and of which we have 
never heard. 

Be honest — and people will be suspicious. Be 
saving— and you will be called a skin-flint. Be 
virtuous — and you will be very, very lonesome. 
Stand up for your rights — and you will surely 
get it in the neck. 

As a parting admonition, I will say: We have 
watched your coming and your going. Your past 



32 RITUAL. 

history is known to all of us, as it is known to 
you. You are ashamed of it — so are we. 

Messenger of Abydos, was he examined? 

Rhk-Mara — He was. 

Ta-Nefer — Did he have any warnpum? 

Rek-Nara — Not a kopeck. 

Ta-NEEEr — Any papyrus pith in his jeans? 

Ie.k-Mara — Very little. 

Ta-Nefer — Can he distinguish a pylon steak 
from a canopic cheese? 

REk-Mara — Not he. 

Ta-Neeer — He sure is a bum Egyptian, but at 
that he may improve. There is vast room for it! 
Evidently the Sacred Asp has fallen down on its 
job, or you wouldn't have gotten this far. But 
there may be qualities in him we do not suspect. 
Messenger of Abydos, take him. Treat him 
kindly. See that he is prepared for his awful 
journey. On your way, and as you go, prod the 
Sacred Asp. 

Candidates are led outside the room 
and then brought in singly for the 
Fourth Episode. 

EPISODE FOURTH. 

Scene 1 — Oasis of Karnak. 
Scene 2 — Desert of Darfur. 
Scene 3 — City of Hyksos. 
Scene A — Nile and adjacent swamps. 
Scene 5 — Cavern of the Asp of Thothmes. 
Persons — Rck-Mara; Colonel in Kings Body- 
guard; Candidates. 

SCENE 1. 
Oasis of Karnak. 

Rek-Mara thus addresses all candi- 
dates, outside: 



RITUAL. 33 

Rek-Mara — Egyptians, in pursuing our journey 
in search of the missing parts of the great Ram- 
eses, we must travel with all speed to the great 
and flourishing Oasis of Karnak, where we can 
secure plenty of fresh water and fruits, and can 
supply ourselves with provisions for our long 
journey through the stormy deserts and dreary 
waste places which we shall have to cross before 
arriving at our journey's end. In order to hasten 
our progress, the Council of Amenti have direct- 
ed the Queen of Punt to place at our disposal her 
sacred Horned Donkey, which is swift and sure 
of foot. I will mount first and lead the way, 
after which the holy beast will return and bear 
each of you in turn to the place where I await 
you. 

Each candidate is brought in separately 
and mounted on Donkey and carried to 
Oasis of Karnak. 

Rek-Mara — We have arrived at the Oasis of 
Karnak. Ah, there is a Colonel in the King's 
Bodyguard. Colonel, we Egyptians have been 
commanded to go in search of the missing parts 
of the great Rameses. Have you seen any 
strangers pass this way? 

Colonel — I saw several yesterda3% who carried 
with them a coffer or box, and who journeyed 
toward the Oasis of Bunk. 

Rek-Mara — Just the place we want to go! 
Egyptians, take these baskets of food and water 
vessels and let us journey across the Desert of 
Darfur to the Oasis of Bunk. 

SCENE 2. 

The Desert of Darfur. 

Persons— Rek-Mara and Candidates. 

Candidates, immediately after being 
supplied with food and water vessels, are 
conducted around room and given the fol- 
lowing information : 



34 RITUAL. 

Rek-Mara — This dreary Desert of Darfur is a 
most dangerous route, through whose rugged, 
mountainous defiles often rage the most terrific 
storms, but if we retain our hold the one upon 
the other, we shall go safely over. 

Candidates are immediately led over 
rough road, logs, obstacles, trestles, 
chairs, boxes, etc., thence over rough road 
onto electric carpet, during all of which, 
storm, rain, etc. They arrive at Hyksos. 

SCENE 3. 
The City of Hyksos, 
Persons — Rek-Mara and Candidates. 

Rek-Mara — At last we are safely over. Ah, 
see the vegetation and signs of human habitation ! 
We are now passing the prosperous City of 
Hyksos, the chief city and capital of the Queen of 
Punt. To the right we may see her sacred Don- 
key, the holy and aged beast that lent its services 
to our mission. (Halt.) The recent storm has 
brought down trees or limbs and other obstruc- 
tions from the mountains, and, I should judge, 
has completely demolished the most retired, 
ancient, and necessary apartment of the Queen, 

The vapor of the CS2 is blown in can- 
didates' nostrils. 

It was a narrow escape. Let us be thankful 
and press on. We now leave the city and cross 
the sacred river of the Nile and its adjacent 
swamps. Although it is greatly infested with 
vicious crocodiles, vipers, asps, spiders and other 
venomous serpents, let us continually bear in mind 
that ail these creatures are sacred, and that should 
we, true and steadfast Egyptians, be attacked by 
these fearful reptiles, it will add greatly to our 
honors should we be spared to return alive. 



RITUAL. 35 

SCENE 4. 

The River Nile and Adjacent Swanips. 

Persons— Rek-Mara and Candidates. 

Candidates enter river; crocodiles, asps, 
spiders, etc. 

SCENE 5. 
Cavern of the Asp of Thothmes. 
Persons — Rek-Mara and Candidates. 

Rek-Mara (to candidates after leaving the 
swamps) — We now approach the sacred Cavern 
of the Asp of Thothmes, where incense burns 
upon the altar both day and night. Egyptians, I 
desire particularly to impress it upon your minds 
that we have arrived at the most dangerous por- 
tion of our journey. Each of us must enter the 
sacred Cavern of the Asp of Thothmes reverent- 
ly, but determinedly, for the demons and evil 
spirits which inhabit this cavern continually en- 
deavor to prevent the passage of the upright and 
true Egyptian seeking to fulfill the Judgment of 
Amenti, and thus escape that dreadful monster 
Am-mit, the Eater-of-the-Dead. Each of you 
will now enter the sacred Cavern and press for- 
ward. No matter what resistance may be offered 
you, press forward, overcome the opposers, and 
pursue your journey. 

Candidates are caused to enter, singly, 
at each end of the cavern ; spanker, etc. 
Vapor of CS2 is continually blown into 
tunnel. 

After exit from cavern, forward a few 
steps, and Rek-Mara says: 

Rek-Mara — Egyptians, here comes a band of 
bloody Nomes! Let us flee for our lives! 

Attacked by band of Nomes. and all but 
a previously selected candidate are made 
prisoners and are conducted before Old 
Man Tcnestcheset, the Chief of the Nomes. 

Rek-Mara thus addresses the selected 
candidate: 



36 RITUAL. 

Rek-Mara — Ani, that was a narrow escape. We 
alone, of all our companions, have escaped the 
band of savage Nomes which ravish this infested 
way. Conceal yourself in this ancient and aban- 
doned tomb of Osiris while I explore the adjacent 
country. 

(Candidate is placed in vault.) 

EPISODE FIFTH. 

Scene—- A Street in Cairo. 

Persons — Old Man Tchestcheset, Chief of the 
Nomes; Candidates. 

Prisoners are conducted before Old 
Man Tehesteheset, Chief of the Nomes, in 
the West. Here may be introduced any- 
thing of a proper character in keeping 
with the Order. Among other things, the 
Chief may conduct an inquisition into the 
character, habits, lives, professions, or 
other private or individual matters con- 
nected with the candidates. If properly 
introduced, it has been found effective to 
conclude with a contest to determine who 
shall receive the most trying ordeals o-f 
the Order. One of the candidates may be 
required to hold a goodly sized piece ot 
ice, while another tells him all that he 
can think of concerning ice, etc.. after 
which the ice is transferred, and the for- 
mer holder then tells what he knows of 
ice, etc. If desired, this Episode may be 
omitted entirely. 

At conclusion, candidates are conducted 
to seats. 

EPISODE SIXTH. 

Scene — Oasis of Bunk. 

Persons — Rek-Mara and Selected Candidate. 

Rek-Mara goes to vault and secures 
candidate, whom he leads about room, 
while he says: 

Rek-Mara — Ani, we are indeed fortunate. Our 
companions have been made prisoners and slaves 
by the band of bloody Nomes, and have been 
caused to suffer most fearful tortures. Finally, 



RITUAL. 37 

according to the decree of Amenti, they were 
slain for having set out in search with us and 
having failed. 

As for us, I find, from questioning the inhab- 
itants of this place, that we have arrived in the 
darkness of the night within the horrific Oasis of 
Bunk itself. I am informed that zealous Egyp- 
tians, seeking the body and vacant throne of 
Rameses, have discovered all the missing parts of 
the body except certain parts, which are said to be 
concealed in or near this Oasis of Bunk in a 
coffer or box. I am also informed that even now 
many Egyptians are here within this Oasis mak- 
ing search for the last missing parts, whose dis- 
covery will be so richly rewarded. Let us con- 
tinue the search. Peradventure, we ourselves, or 
one of us, may be successful, and to him shall be 
awarded the throne of Egypt. 

The underbrush and tropical vegetation here- 
about greatly hinder our progress, but let us 
persevere and press on to success. 

Under logs, obstacles, etc., through 
brush and branches of trees, onto bridge 
in West, to box at far end of bridge. 

Rek-Mara — Ani, open the box carefully, but 
without displaying its contents, and see if it does 
contain the last and long-lost parts of the slain 
Rameses, the great Pharaoh of Egypt. (Done.) 
It does indeed, but in so mangled a condition that 
they can scarcely be recognized. Let us take them 
to Heru-Set, the Prophet of Thebes, for his in- 
spection. Agreed. * 

Candidate is caused to return through 
brush, etc, backwards, with the box, 



* The contents of the box must never be removed 
therefrom while the Council is in session, nor shall 
the character of the same be generally communicated 
to the members. If the secrecy of the contents is 
maintained it will be found to add to the interest of 
the work. 



38 RITUAL. 



which he carries and presents to Hern 
Set in Seventh Episode. 



EPISODE SEVENTH. 

Scene — Before the Council of Rameses. 

Persons — Heru-Set, Prophet of Thebes; Ta- 
Nefer, Prophet of Horns; Rek-Mara; Se- 
lected Candidate. 

Selected candidate, having found box 
containing lost parts, carries them, con- 
ducted by Rek-Mara, to Heru-Set, the 
Prophet of Thebes, seated on throne in 
East. Hoodwink raised. 

Rek-Mara— O Heru-set, Prophet of Thebes, 
Ani, the Scribe, has traveled far in search of the 
lost parts of the great Rameses, which he brought 
to light in the Oasis of Bunk. Having performed 
this valuable service to Egypt and to our Order, 
he appears before you with the sacred treasure. 

Heru-Set* (examining treasure) — Truly so! 
Let the sacred treasure be deposited in the canopic 
jars. 

Ani, I desire to impress upon your mind the 
fact that burlesque and pantomime may often 
teach as true and lasting lessons for the proper 
guidance of our conduct, as may the reflections 
of a more serious nature. 

The ceremonies of the Order of Rameses, we 
solemnly assure you, are not the playful inven- 
tions of modern times, but are an arrangement of 
the legend of ancient Egypt, of the death of the 
god Osiris, or the Sun, slain by Typhon, the 
Power of Evil and Darkness, who cut and dis- 
severed his body into fourteen pieces and scat- 
tered them in all directions throughout the land. 
Isis, the sister and wife of Osiris, also Goddess 
of the Earth, the Harvest, Nature, and so fourth, 



* See footnote at end of Episode Sixth, page 37. 



RITUAL. 39 

set out in search of the remains, which, after long 
journeys and arduous labors, she discovered, piece 
by piece, and buried, all except the distinctive 
parts, which latter were found only after a most 
extensive search, concealed in a coffer, or box, 
or ark. 

Egyptian, the distinctive organs of the human 
body were, among the ancients of all nations, 
taken as emblems of the fertile and of the re- 
productive powers and principles of Nature, 
which they represented by the ancient Masonic 
emblem of a Point Within a Circle. As with the 
ancients, the legend represented the Sun as slain 
by Winter, and the Earth denied, during the long 
winter months, his vitalizing powers, so essential 
to the harvest, so, in later times, does the Order 
of Rameses attempt to demonstrate and inculcate 
by this ancient allegory, the all-important and 
vital principle of GOOD FELLOWSHIP and 
Brotherly Love, so essential to the harvest of 
Charity and Good Deeds which form the bounti- 
ful harvest of the great fraternity of which we 
all are brethren, and we strictly charge you, that 
from membership in the Order of Rameses, arises 
the duty and obligation upon your part to spread 
the cement of brotherly love and esteem, and to 
unite and cement the brotherhood with the true 
principles of good fellowship. 

You have been caused to travel in search of this 
ancient emblem of essential vitality, and, having 
discovered the same and thus rendered this sym- 
bolic service to the Order, the Council of Amenti 
have decreed that you be rewarded by being 
seated upon the ancient throne of the Pharaohs 
as Ruler of Egypt, and, for a time, entrusted with 
dominion over our Order, that your life and 
works may be a living example of our precepts. 



m 



RITUAL,. 



I therefore, by virtue of authority in me vested, 
have the pleasure and honor to place upon your 
brow the Crown of Egypt; to. place within your 
hand the Scepter of the Pharaohs^, and to invest 
you; for ;the time being, with the, illimitable power 
£nd authority of the Throne of the great Ram- 
■eses. . : .• . \. ; 



Action suited to the words; candidate 
is seated on throne and invested. 






-H3RU-S#r — Egyptian Ta-Nefer, Prophet of 

Horus, instruct the King in the secrets of tlie 

Mysteries. . .. 

- Ta-Nefer rises,, makes obeisance, and 

says: 

Z Ta-Nkfer— O King, live forever! The jewel of 
our Order is an ancient Egyptian cartouche, 
which expresses in ancient, hieroglyphic form the 
great motto of the Order, namely: 

"LET US BE SWIFT TO BATTLE 
WITH- AND' OVERCOME EVIL IN 
THE WORLD; THAT, WHEN VIC- 
TORIOUS, WE MAY RECEIVE THE - 
REWARDS OF IMMORTAL^ LIFE 
-CONSEQUENT THERETO.^ L-* 

r Egyptian Her u- Set, present the cartouche to 
the Pharaoh; *i 







..... /This .is taught by. the. hieroglyphs. Thus, in 
Jthe figure of the. Man in the sitting ' posture, Vthe 



RITUAL. 41 

ancient Egyptians represented the signature of 
the Goddess Hathor, the Goddess of Good, which 
was incomplete, however, without the figure of 
the Eagle on the left. These figures, as you have 
observed, are imposed above the figure by which 
the ancients represented Set, the God of Evil, 
thus clearly signifying the triumph of Good over 
Evil, which, however, we are taught, should not 
be put off until tomorrow, but should be done 
NOW, with speed and dispatch, represented by 
the Eagle. 

But the story of the emblem is not complete, 
for, above all, well within the Royal Arch of 
Heaven, may be seen the sacred Crux Ansata — 
the ancient and universal emblem of Eternal 
Life, a glittering promise to those whose lives 
conform to the constructive principle taught by 
the fundamental hieroglyphs. The letters O and 
R form the initials of this Order, whose prin- 
ciples are taught by the emblem. The O is rep- 
resented by the ancient emblem and hieroglyph of 
the Sun — a Point Within a Circle, so prevalent in 
Masonry — wherefore, it also becomes an emblem 
of the Good and Benevolent Principle triumphing 
over that of Evil. The Point Within a Circle is 
also a hieroglyph of Rameses — which we have 
emphasized by the addition of the modern letter 
R— who was called "Son of the Sun/' 

The Grand Hailing Sign of the Order and that 
with which you shall salute the Pharaoh on en- 
tering or departing from the Council in session, 
is given thus (done), being the ancient sign of 
salutation. 

The Sign of Distress is given thus (done). It 
alludes to the ancient seaport of Joppa, where 
most of the material for the building of King 
Solomon's Temple, brought from Mount Lebanon 



42 RITUAL. 

by sea in floats, was landed. It is completed by 
retaining the position of the left hand and by 
lowering the right hand to the side. 

The Grip of the Order is given thus: Egyptian 
Heru-Set, Prophet of Thebes, will act as the 
Egyptian who is challenged to prove his identity, 
and I will act as the Sentinel or examining 
officer. The Egyptian who is challenged will first 
take position. This is done by his advancing his 
right foot and placing his right hand on my left 
shoulder, thus (done). I, as the examining officer, 
will next take position by placing my left foot out- 
side his advanced right foot. He will then take me 
by the Sign of Distress with his left hand, and I, 
as the examining officer, will complete the position 
by taking him by the Sign of Distress with my 
right hand. In this proper position only can the 
words of the Order be communicated. The Egyp- 
tian who is challenged will first communicate the 
pass, which is, "D** Y** K** W** I** A**?" 
The examining officer will then communicate the 
response, which is, "E**," which is a Grecian 
word, signifying "I** H** F** I**." 

Heru-Set cails the entire Council up 
with * * * with gavel and says: 

Heru-Set — Iridescent Son of the Sun, behold 
your subjects! Egyptians, behold your Pharaoh! 

Deposed candidate and all the others 
are placed in line in front of the regular 
Pharaoh, who. with all other regular of- 
ficers, resumes his station. 



EPISODE EIGHTH. 

Candidates are in line in the East be- 
fore the Pharaoh, who thus addresses 
them : 

PtiARAon — Egyptians, the ceremonies of the 
Order are complete when one of your number, as 



RITUAL. 43 

representing the class, is seated on the Throne of 
Rameses and the mystical teachings of the Order 
are explained. In theory, each of you has been 
seated, through your representative, so that in 
the Order of Rameses each Egyptian is an equal 
to his fellow, and no distinction can exist except 
such as stand out through sterling individual 
worth, and such as are temporarily decreed for 
the proper government of the Order. 

As an Egyptian and member of the Order of 
Rameses, you have become bound to us by a 
solemn obligation to support and maintain the 
laws of the Order; to keep concealed its secrets, 
and have promised never to be present nor assist 
at the conferment of the Order unless the same 
shall be within a Council of the Order legally 
constituted by the Supreme Council of the Order 
of Rameses. 

Finally, Egyptians, remember the high ideals 
of the Order and the great principles it endeavors 
to establish, and be ever ready to check the slight- 
est departure from established rules and forms. 
I am happy to greet each of you as a member in 

good standing in Council of , 

of the Order of Rameses. 

Egyptian Rek-Mara, Messenger of Abydos, con- 
duct these Egyptians, newly crowned as Rulers of 
Egypt, to seats within the Secret Council of 
Rameses. 




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028 0035841 



